Latest news with #SumairSaeed
Business Recorder
23-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PAA confirms upgrade of DG Khan Airport for larger aircraft
Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has announced the upgrade of Dera Ghazi Khan Airport to facilitate Airbus A320 operations, with project completion targeted by the end of next year. The announcement was made during the Authority's monthly e-Kacheri session, chaired by Deputy Director General Works and Development, Sumair Saeed. Speaking during the live session, Saeed highlighted that the planned enhancement of Dera Ghazi Khan Airport will significantly improve regional connectivity and allow for the operation of larger aircraft, a long-standing demand of both the local community and airline operators. PIA inducts 11th Airbus A320 into fleet The upgrade is expected to open new routes and increase flight frequency, ultimately contributing to the socioeconomic development of South Punjab. In addition to the developments in Dera Ghazi Khan, Saeed shared that improvement works are also planned for Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar. These include upgrades to the airside infrastructure and expansion of parking facilities, aimed at improving passenger experience and accommodating growing traffic at the facility. Addressing regional air connectivity, the Deputy DG revealed that a business proposal has been floated to various airlines, offering incentives to initiate flights between Gwadar and destinations in Punjab and other regions. The move is part of a broader strategy to make underutilised airports commercially viable and strengthen national connectivity. Saeed also took the opportunity to respond to public grievances raised during the e-Kacheri, including complaints related to flight delays, missing baggage, and inappropriate behaviour by airline staff. He directed that all such issues be compiled and forwarded to the Civil Aviation Authority with a comprehensive report for appropriate action. In a proactive health and safety measure, he further instructed that tetanus injections be included in all airport first-aid kits, following a complaint from a passenger at Lahore airport.
Business Recorder
23-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Infrastructure modernization: PAA launches e-gates implementation project across three airports
KARACHI: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) took a significant step forward in modernizing the country's airport infrastructure by formally launching an e-gates implementation project across three major international airports. According to the details, a delegation from M2P Consulting, comprising local and international experts, visited PAA headquarters to initiate the planning, design, and installation of electronic gates at Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi airports. Prior to the agreement signing, detailed discussions were held on technical and operational aspects of the project, led by PAA Deputy Director General Airports Sadiq ur Rehman and Deputy Director General Works and Development Sumair Saeed. The formal agreement was signed by Christophe Mostert, Managing Partner of M2P Consulting, and Kashif S Jillani, Director Engineering Services at PAA. The entire project, including planning, design, implementation, and installation phases, is expected to be completed within a 24-month timeframe. M2P Consulting will provide technical supervision throughout the project and guide contractors who will be selected through a competitive tendering process. A key focus of the discussions centered on integrating the e-gate system with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) protocols and existing airport agency systems. Once fully implemented, the e-gates are expected to enhance passenger security, introduce automated control mechanisms, and reduce reliance on manual processing, ultimately delivering a more streamlined travel experience. Site surveys for the project have already been completed at Lahore and Islamabad airports, with the survey at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport scheduled to begin on April 23, 2025. The ceremony was attended by several senior PAA officials, including directors from the Planning, Development, and Engineering Services departments. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
